Muireann Bradley
Stagolee
I Kept These Old Blues — 2023
Muireann Bradley, a rising talent in the folk-blues scene, included her version of Stagolee on her 2023 album I Kept These Old Blues. This album showcases her mastery of fingerstyle guitar and a soulful vocal delivery that bridges blues\' secular and sacred elements. Bradley’s rendition of Stagolee stands out for its stripped-down arrangement and hauntingly lyrical approach, emphasizing the narrative\'s depth and moral ambiguity. Recorded in an intimate style reminiscent of 1920s and 30s blues recordings, her performance has been praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance.
The album features other traditional blues classics, reflecting Bradley\'s deep engagement with the genre, influenced by artists like Mississippi John Hurt and Elizabeth Cotten. Her style, rooted in traditional techniques, brings a fresh voice to these timeless stories.